We had decided to leave early the night before so were all up at 6. But Fiona's knees were still swollen and she made the very sensible decision not to walk the whole way. The plan was made that she would bus to Los Arcos and slowly walk to Sansol and confirm our bookings at the Albergue so that we didn't need to rush. That meant we could have a leisurely breakfast at the hostel and we were all so pleased because we were tired and, the day before, going so long without breakfast, had not been good physically or mentally. And the breakfast was lovely with muesli and yoghurt and fruit and lots lots more! At the edge of town we had to make a decision about whether to take the shorter *************ger easier route for the first part of the day's walk. It was a bit misleading as it looked like you had to make the decision in the middle of a housing estate when in fact it was just a warning for a bit later. We shortly reached the famous wine fountain where you can drink and/or fill your bottles with wine or water. Anne wasn't shy and got a good amount for lunch! Everyone wanted a photo at this point and began to exhibit a bit of unpilgrim like behaviour with a few pushes and shoves! Then we really had to make the decision about which route and we took the *********e. It seemed like everyone else was taking the easier one and they all seemed much younger so we did wonder what they knew and we didn't! But it was stunning and the sun came out as we wandered through forests and vineyards with amazing mountain ranges in the distance. We stopped at a wooden chalet cafe for coffees and what we thought were churros - the general conclusion after eating them was that they were probably more like stale doughnuts from quite a few days ago. We bought some bocadillos for a picnic lunch and I bought some red liquorice, a guilty pleasure of mine! At some point along the way though we thought we saw Colm and his sister in a taxi going the other way and we did wonder if his tooth had got worse ...... We will never know! After the 2 routes merged we bumped into Suzie, Phil and Jo. The walk continued in stunning surroundings with slightly quirky things happening on route like a woman playing the accordion and her friends selling eggs, bananas and other random stuff! We lunched in the sunshine on bocadillos and greasy (but lovely) crisps and watched the shepherd call in his dogs. At one point a boy playing a lute like instrument passed us like a wandering minstrel out of a Monty Python sketch - what a bizarre day so far! When we reached Los Arcos we sat in the sun and drank Sangria. It was a beautiful square but incredibly busy and it was easy to see why we hadn't been able to book ahead! Canadian woman who looks 25 walked passed and in a voice one would normally use when talking to the elderly and senile said "aahh look at you guys!!" The next stage from Los Arcos to Sansol was a real struggle. It was hard underfoot, hot and tedious and Sansol never seemed to get any closer - and to make matters worse we weren't even sure it was Sansol! Added to that the way was crowded with the bus loads of daypack Germans who had been dropped off near the wine fountain earlier and were irritating to us pack carrying pilgrims to say the least! We eventually arrived in Sansol and it was beautiful. A refreshed looking Fiona came out to greet us and boy were we pleased to see her. She had checked us in and bagged all the best beds in the dorm including 2 single beds!! Luxury!! We did the usual "I don't mind where I sleep" routine which didn't wash with me as we were staring at 2 single beds and so we drew lots using numbers written on compede plasters - they are indeed a wonderful invention with a host of uses for the backpacking pilgrim. Anne and I were the lucky ones. The dreaded blisters had started to appear and Sue and Anne had some beauties which needed draining - poor things! The Albergue was lovely and the beamed dorm had wall paintings of the Camino. There was a bar and an ICE COLD foot pool and a courtyard to sit in. The bloody Germans had sadly all arrived there too but the good news was they were shortly to be bused back to their hotel in Bilbao. When they left it was so tranquil and after showering and putting on our standard evening attire we went down to dinner at 6pm and had a good wholesome meal and lots of wine. We were complimented by an American on the next table who thought us glamorous! He obviously doesn't get out much! Sue and Fiona had peas with Jamon for starter which I think they lived to regret a little later. Sue and Jackie went to the supermarket next door to get provisions for the next day but he had just closed. When he saw them he opened his shop up just for them!! They were very touched! We carried on drinking and eating nuts in the garden after dinner and now the really annoying Canadian woman who looks 25 said "still drinking" I think unanimously we wanted to slap her!! Bed quite early - well dinner was at 6!!!!!